Former Ireland scrum-half to lead women’s rugby at Mullingar RFC

Mullingar RFC have appointed former Ireland international Ailsa Hughes as new Women’s Rugby Programme director. The club are funding the role themselves as they look to grow rugby for girls and women at Shay Murtagh Park.

A native of Tullamore, Ailsa helped found the women’s team at Tullamore RFC before moving to Railway Union.

She won her first Ireland cap in the 2017 Six Nations and was Ireland’s first-choice scrum-half during the 2018 championship. In 2022 she scored two tries as Railway Union won the Women’s All-Ireland League final.

A former All-Ireland camogie medallist with Offaly, Ailsa is also an assistant coach with the Leinster U18 girls, specialising in attack.

In her new role, Ailsa will coach the club’s senior women’s team and lead the girls’ and women’s pathway. She will also work with local schools, including Loreto College.

Mullingar RFC president Denis McDermott said: “We’re absolutely delighted. Ailsa knows exactly what she’s doing. Here at Shay Murtagh Park, we have the best facilities in Ireland, and we’re attracting more new players than any club in the country.

“We have high aspirations for our senior teams, and the new energy Ailsa brings is something we’re all very excited about.”

Anyone interested in playing can come along to training at Shay Murtagh Park or contact the club.